Brig Gen Mohammad Azharul Islam of the Bangladesh Army was awarded the honorary National Defence Medal – Gold Level by the French government on Tuesday.
The medal was presented by French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet at a ceremony at his residence, according to a press release from the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR) on Wednesday,
Brig Gen Azhar is the first Bangladeshi to receive this prestigious medal, recognising his outstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Brig Gen Azhar served as deputy chief of staff (Support) at the Force Headquarters of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) from 2022 to 2023, while holding the rank of colonel. During this period, he efficiently coordinated logistics and support operations for over 13,000 peacekeepers from multiple countries.
In 2022, following the redeployment of the French Army’s “Barkhane” operation from Mali to neighboring Niger and Chad, several camps in northern Mali came under UN responsibility. Brig Gen Azhar’s logistics team ensured the safe withdrawal of the French contingent and the smooth deployment of UN personnel.
When the UN mission in Mali was fully withdrawn in 2023, his team successfully repatriated all personnel and equipment within six months through meticulous planning and teamwork.
An experienced peacekeeper, Brig Gen Azhar has previously served in Sudan, the Ivory Coast, Somalia, and Mali, consistently demonstrating dedication and professionalism in international peacekeeping operations.
